Sensational Frankie Muniz (TV's MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE) stars as Justin Yoder in MIRACLE IN LANE 2, inspired by the true story of a mischievous and courageous 12-year-old who refused to let a physical challenge defeat him. ... more »His unrelenting desire to win a trophy leads to Justin's discovery that it's perseverance that makes a winner, as he prepares for a national soapbox championship race! Fresh, funny, full of action and heart, MIRACLE IN LANE 2 combines courage, challenges, and thrills for the ride of a lifetime!« less
"I just watched this film on the Disney channel, along with my 8 year old niece and brother-in-law. It was so touching and refreshing to see inspiring true stories, such as Justin Yoder's receiving such exposure in mainstream television. What a great role model for young and old alike. Justin's spirit really shines through with Muniz's portrayal - ALL of the supporting cast were excellent! The film touched on so many different aspects of children and disabilities, along with how it impacts the family and friends in so many intense ways. And yet, it didn't focus on the issue of Justin's disability. Rather, it simply told a heartwarming story of just how powerful one individual's spirit can be. I highly recommend this film."
Surprisingly Sophisticated Theology
Olma Madrid | 05/04/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Along with an entertaining plot, this film contains some surprisingly sophisticated theology (particularly for a children's film). The five "God" vignettes demonstrate five different ways that humans view God as well as track Justin (a boy with spina bifida) in his pilgrimage to understand why, if God doesn't make mistakes, he was born with a birth defect."
Sweet and Realistic
Olma Madrid | 01/02/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Justin just wants to fit in. He wants to be like all of the other kids. But Justin is paralyzed. Does that stop him? Heck no.He decides to race in soapbox derbies. And he gets good with the help of his supportive family and neighbor. Along the way, he discovers more about his inner self and begins to appreciate who he is, wheelchair or no wheelchair.But what made me truly appreciate this movie was the way the filmmakers accentuated the reality. They not only carefully hit upon Justin's trials as a paralyzed kid, but also upon his brother's (Seth) own issues with Justin.My brother has a disability as well, somewhat different from Justin's problems, but their portrayal of Seth was what made the movie more authentic and helped me to personally relate to the characters.Making an audience relate to the characters is what makes a movie work. This movie worked. Kudos to Disney for creating this wonderful film."
Finally, someone got it right!!!
Scooter | Novato, Ca, USA | 09/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"ok, until I saw this film five years ago, I thought no one knew ANYTHING about Spina Bifida! i thought it was the rarest thing in the world to have! I LOVED this film! it was sooo true! everything from the way his family reacts when he has a headache, to the God sequences, was absolutely true to life!!I've asked myself and God, those same questions! this movie does a great job of teaching the humor in everything! the things Justin finds dire, will make other people with SB, die laughing because we think the same thing! I cant say enough great things about this film! its a good film to show to young ones, to teach them about disabled people! this movie is sooo funny!"
Great Movie, with just a few glitches
Lynae Moore | Texas USA | 09/21/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Coming from a young adult with spina bifida, Disney actually got something right this time! I was thoroughly impressed with their handling of a sensitive issue. They explained medical issues simply, where even young kids could understand. They very accurately portrayed the tension that comes up in a family with a handicapped member. And they did a great job of putting a comedic spin on what can often be frustrating and embarrassing situations (like when Frankie's character has a reflex gag issue and throws up on the Little League director).
One thing I did have a problem with: their portrayal of God and Heaven. While it is true that God does not make mistakes, and I have seen many times when He has used my disability for good, I will NOT have these handicaps in Heaven. It is misleading and very disappointing that Disney took this stance."